There was a time where getting excited about a documentary series or a documentary in general was unheard of. For this type of story was nothing more than a download, the kind best shown in video day at school because they simply offered information and visuals and little else. But those days are long, long gone. For now, these types of stories, feature a story and focus on aspects of our world or nature that we did not know existed in a dynamic and compelling manner, the kind that outright gets us excited through and through and well, it is definitely safe to say that a docu-series from STARZ is building quite the buzz.
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Because everyone is quite curious about Down in the Valley, the Nicco Annan hosted docu-series that will take us deep into the South and allow for us to really see what life is like in a place that we have forgotten as a society and view in a negative light if we do ponder upon it, and the possibilities as to what Nicco will showcase is what has us excited and since we are close to its premiere date, STARZ thought it best to build more excitement. Courtesy of a brand-new trailer, key art and some updated details on the show, which we will share with you now. So, you can properly prepare to experience the wonder of what we will find, down in the valley.
 
‘STARZ has released the electric key art and official trailer for its new docu-series, “Down in the Valley.” The key art portrays how NAACP Award winner Nicco Annan brings his charismatic energy to explore taboo topics often overlooked. For an enlightening and engaging series, the trailer highlights the powerful and celebratory stories Annan will explore as he works to spread wisdom on this traditionally unconventional journey. "Down in the Valley" isn't afraid to tackle the provocative topics and themes that are also explored in “P-Valley,” such as sex, queerness, religion, and southern culture, and does so through the lens of joy, celebration, and realness that is so inherent to Annan and what makes him especially suited to host these in-depth conversations and explorations. The unique six-half-hour episode series will offer viewers a captivating journey through the Deep South, revealing a multifaceted South that is as poignant as it is joyful and magical. As previously announced, the series is hosted by the dynamic and iconic Nicco Annan (“P-Valley”), and it is set to premiere on Friday, July 5, at midnight ET on the STARZ app. On linear, it will debut on STARZ at 9:00 PM ET/PT in the U.S. and 10:00 PM ET in Canada.
 
Annan, best known as “Uncle Clifford” on STARZ’s critically acclaimed drama series “P-Valley,” will be immersed in the people, sensuality, music, culture, and stories of the South. From strip clubs to sex workshops, rap performances, and ancient hoodoo rituals, Annan, as well as the audience, will experience it all. The series confronts uncomfortable truths, challenges societal norms, and advocates for a more inclusive and enlightened future.

“Down in the Valley” is produced by Zero Point Zero for STARZ. In addition to the NAACP Best Actor Award, Nicco Annan was awarded The Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of Black Cinema & Television’s Actor Award and nominated for an Independent Spirit Award. Executive Producers include Pulitzer Prize winner and “P-Valley” creator Katori Hall (“The Hot Wing King,” Oliver Award-winning “The Mountaintop” and Broadway’s “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical”). Emmy and Peabody award-winning executive producer Shoshana Guy served as showrunner and executive producer. Emmy and Peabody award-winners Lydia Tenaglia and Chris Collins serve as executive producers along with Emmy award winner Jared Andrukanis as co-executive producer on behalf of Zero Point Zero.
 
Follow “Down in the Valley” on Social:
Twitter: @PValleySTARZ
Instagram: @PValleySTARZ
Facebook: @PValleySTARZ
Join the conversation with #DownInTheValley and #STARZ
 
About STARZ
STARZ (www.starz.com), a Lionsgate company, is a leading media streaming platform committed to delivering premium content that amplifies narratives by, about and for women and underrepresented audiences. STARZ is home to the highly rated and first-of-its-kind STARZ app that offers the ability to stream or download STARZ premium content, as well as the flagship domestic STARZ® service, including STARZ ENCORE, 17 premium pay TV channels, and the associated on-demand and online services. STARZ is available across digital OTT platforms and multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, and telecommunications companies. In February 2021, STARZ launched #TakeTheLead, a multi-faceted and innovative inclusion initiative expanding its existing efforts to improve representation on screen, behind the camera and throughout the company.’

It is definitely safe to say, that science fiction fans everywhere are eagerly awaiting the second season of SYFY’s hit series, The Ark. Simply because… The Ark is science-fiction at its best. Since it is that rare sci-fi story that perfectly explores a bevy of modern problems through a plausible story set a century from now. Where resources are depleted and where mankind is taking to the stars to survive, only to discover its greatest obstacle amongst the cosmos won’t be aliens or unseen forces… but the very foolishness we have harbored throughout our history. Which is a powerful way to explore our world and the human condition and of course, the epic nature in which season one ended left us starving for more.
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For it postulated at the very real possibility that perhaps, we could grow beyond our foolishness and work together, and that is why we are so eager to tune into season two. So, we can see if that is the case and what it might take to bring us all together, so we can perhaps begin to apply such lessons to our modern world. And of course, SYFY is aware of how eager sci-fi fans are right now to see more of this show, and that is why, they were kind enough to release the trailer for season two. Which we will share with you now, so you can sample what season two will stand for as we all count down the days to the return of this dynamic and bold series.

Previously Released Season 2 Details:
“The Ark” premieres on Wednesday, July 17 at 10/9c on SYFY. And place 100 years in the future when planetary colonization missions have begun as a necessity to help secure the survival of the human race. In season two, after the brave crew of Ark One reaches their destination and finds it uninhabitable, they must survive long enough to locate a new home for themselves and all the ships that follow. The first season of “The Ark” was incredibly popular and reached 6.5 million viewers across all platforms.

The series stars Christie Burke, Richard Fleeshman, Reece Ritchie, Stacey Read and Ryan Adams. Dean Devlin (“Independence Day,” “Stargate”) and Jonathan Glassner (“Stargate SG-1”) are co-showrunners and executive producers alongside Marc Roskin and Rachel Olschan-Wilson of Electric Entertainment. Jonathan English of Balkanic Media and Mark Franco of Electric Entertainment serve as producers. Season 1 is available to stream on Peacock.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Finale of ‘The Tattooist of Auschwitz’. To revisit the show’s Penultimate Episode, click here.
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One particular aspect of stories about victims of the Holocaust that is supremely unique, is how many of them… don’t show what comes next for the survivors of this atrocity after the war comes to its end. We tend to just see liberation of those camps, or the impact of this dark period in our history, upon the good souls that tried to protect lives from being slaughtered in those camps. When we should learn more about the life the survivors of the Holocaust led and what they encountered from a trauma standpoint and that is why the series finale of The Tattooist of Auschwitz on Peacock, is so supremely important a story. Because it finally explores those exact elements.

After of course, exploring what happened to Lali and Gita shortly after they each escaped their marches of death to other camps. Wherein we came to discover that Lali went from working with one evil to another. Since Russian soldiers were keen on abusing their power in every way imaginable and used Lali to lure people into their traps. Whereas Gita and her friend spent their days fighting for survival since they were somehow public enemy number one, despite surviving atrocities untold. But eventually, they made way to Bratislava, as did Lali, after spending a little time home to discover the harsh fate his parents succumbed to while he was away. But thankfully, the sorrow and the scares came to an end for these two lovebirds.

For the war ended, and they were reunited and married and lived their lives… to the best of their abilities. Wherein they moved far away from Europe, and changed their names, since we learned that the names we’ve been calling them all along were new ones… to escape the past and well, that’s really what they tried to do post World War II. Escape the horrors of the camps and try to forge a peaceful life and they struggled with that. For Gita’s sleep was often interrupted with echoes of those awful days in that awful place and she wasn’t sure she could conceive, which threatened the couple’s happiness, for they truly believed that the love of a child would wipe away so much evil and forge a better tomorrow.

Not to mention, Lali was tasked with Stefan’s fate, since that rotten little man was captured and put on trial and with Lali’s sometimes reluctant help, because the madness of the moment confused him to his final days… Stefan faced the right bit of justice for his crimes in Auschwitz. And eventually, Lali and Gita had their family, a son no less. Which should have given rise to a happy and joyous ending, where love survived and trumped all the evil. But alas, this was more a bittersweet tale than anything else. Because despite having a family, having peace and righting wrongs through the justice system… Lali remained haunted by the past until his final breath. Which allowed for the audience to finally come to understand the real impact that Auschwitz left upon its small number of survivors.

Scars.

That’s the true legacy of Auschwitz. Scars that can never fully heal. Because hate cuts so very, very deep. Which is why, it is so imperative to educate others about the Holocaust and what happened in Auschwitz and other places like it. So that we never impart that kind of pain on other human beings, ever again. For this was beyond cruel and beyond savage and was nothing more than pure evil in the end. The kind that can be fought through education and understanding and thank the heavens this show exists. Because it put on display the true horrors of this place, of these actions, and offered up pure education. So that memories stay alive, and vigilance can grow, so a new generation will fight for equality and the end of hate so we as a species can finally move forward… as one.

To learn more about the Holocaust and the atrocities committed by the Nazi Regime, please visit the website for the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and for the Auschwitz Memorial.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 302 of ‘The Outlaws’. To revisit the Season Three Premiere, clickhere.

There are a great many reasons that fans of the Prime Video series, The Outlaws, tune into the show. For starters, it really does feature a unique plot since there are few, if any, shows out there that explore the life of everyday people trying to go on a straight and narrow path after dabbling in crime. Not to mention, the show is well-acted and supremely funny. Since it never lets the subject matter overwhelm the audience and that allows for our beloved Outlaws to continually trap themselves in a world of crime and awkward situations. But of the many reasons that we tune in, there is one that we all share in. In that, this series is also shockingly relatable, courtesy of the life lessons it sends our way. Courtesy of moments that feel as though they’re inspired by our own everyday lives, as evidenced by the next episode in this saga.

For the next chapter focused heavily on a moment we will all deal with at some point or already have. Specifically… when we come to realize that our next chapter in life doesn’t just magically appear and give us joy. It takes work to make it worthwhile, the kind that takes time and patience. Which John came to realize after we learned here, his attempt to sue his dad failed miserably and that he has been coasting angrily ever since… when he could have taken action and should have. Since he could have fired off a vote of no confidence but never did, in part because he didn’t know, but also because he just thought tomorrow would bring him good tidings, and that prompted him to skip out upn putting in the work to make things right at the company he adores. Since he could have done more, period.

Not to mention Myrna learned a lot here about how important it is to open oneself up when entering a new chapter in life, especially when we are starting a new relationship. Because when we don’t, we see ourselves in whatever light we’ve deemed suits us best, and that can be problematic if we aren’t humble or if we think we’re awful… since it keeps that new love at bay. Plus, Greg came to learn that he needed to think outside the box more with clients, all because he was too rigid, and that hurt John and likely hurt other cases, but soon he will have a grand test with that, thanks to Gabby’s decision to use his skills to go after her money. But that aside, those were indeed next chapter lessons we can all learn something from, since we too have or will be in Myrna’s shoes and so many of us play it safe a la Greg when we set out on our own. 

But while it was fascinating to enjoy those relatable moments, the show still made sure to move the plot forward in this tale. Courtesy of the grand reveal that the Outlaws are stuck in the middle of a nasty fight. For the Dean wants his freedom and is pushing hard to get it, and the police are pushing back to keep him there… but the Dean seems to be winning. Since he has crooked cops on his payroll, and enough dirt to sow doubt in the case. Which prompted the Outlaws to get down and dirty in this tale and remove thumbs and make incredible promises in the hopes of bringing the Dean down once and for all. As to whether or not the plans set up here will work, time will tell. But in the meantime, we can celebrate one amazing episode.
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For this one really did a fine job of reminding us how much we love the characters and how well we relate to them through great writing. Because so many moments really did feel real here and they truly offered up great lessons and great opportunity for growth for these characters. Not to mention, it also did a great job of balancing out the story with the case, and of course… it is a huge deal that the Outlaws might have some dirt on the Dean and that Rani is willing to risk it all to bring him down. Because all of that compels us to continue the journey to see… if the Dean can be defeated and whether or not everyone will put in the work to find the happiness and peace that they so crave as they come out the other side of their service to the public. Until next time.

Over the course of the past couple of years, Apple TV+ has managed to establish itself as the premier streamer for family themed entertainment. Not just because they are home to a bevy of incredible family programs, for Apple TV+ does boast quite the lineup. But more so because… it is the only streamer that offers family themed programming that is engaging, generational and outright starts conversations in the home about the important topics that Apple’s shows explore. Which is what every parent wants from a family entertainment standpoint and well, the wonder and interactivity of Apple’s programming is top of mind today, simply because… their most ambitious release to date in this vein, is drawing near.
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For earlier today, Apple TV+ announced that their upcoming coming-of-age series, Me, will debut on the network on July 12, and well… this is quite the show to say the least. For it features something every kid imagines, having superpowers, alongside lessons that clearly relate to finding oneself, and what it means to be part of this world and how we contribute, and that is indeed… peak family entertainment. The kind that allows for discussion and learning and outright fun, and to further hammer home how special this series is going to be, Apple TV+ was kind enough to release a trailer and details regarding this series, which we will share with you now. So can properly prepare to settle in watch this and learn with your family.

‘Apple TV+ today released the trailer for the upcoming live-action family series “Me,” an elevated cinematic coming-of-age story from Barry L. Levy (“Vantage Point,”) premiering globally on Friday, July 12. 
 
“Me” follows a 12-year-old kid named Ben who is in the throes of middle school (complete with bullies, crushes and school dances!,) as he adjusts to a newly blended family, AND just realized he has super powers. Throughout the 10-episode season, Ben will go on a journey of self-discovery about what having super powers truly means. He finds an ally in his step sister Max, who helps him harness these powers and uncover the secrets behind the mysteries and tragedies of his community… all while trying to come to terms with what it means to be Ben.
 
The series stars Lucian-River Chauhan (“Encounter”)  as Ben Vasani, Abigail Pniowsky (“Arrival”)  as Max Davis, Dilshad Vadsaria (“Second Chance”) as Elizabeth Vasani, Amanda Reid (“Miss Juneteenth”) as Carter Kennedy, Jessy Yates (“Pulse”) as Morgan with guest stars Kyle Howard (“Orange County”) as Phil Davis and Sharif Atkins (“NCIS Hawai’i”) as Darren Kennedy.
 
“Me” is an Apple Original created by Barry L. Levy, who also serves as showrunner, executive producer and series writer alongside Michael Dowse, Amy Welsh-Hanning and Eben Russell. Aaron Carew is the supervising producer. Dowse also directs all 10 episodes.
 
“Me” joins an exciting slate of new offerings for all-ages on Apple TV+ this summer featuring animated adventure trilogy “WondLa,” hailing from Skydance Animation and based on the New York Times bestselling book series “The Search for WondLa'' by Tony DiTerlizzi, premiering June 28; the first-ever television adaptation of the cult classic film, “Time Bandits,” starring Lisa Kudrow, premiering July 24; the all-new star-studded revival “Yo Gabba GabbaLand!,” inspired by the celebrated Emmy-nominated cultural phenomenon “Yo Gabba Gabba!” premiering August 9; and the second season of beloved animated series “Frog and Toad,” based on the Caldecott and Newbery Honor-winning books, which premiered on May 31; with additional titles to be announced.  
 
Award-winning offerings for kids and families now streaming globally on Apple TV+ include celebrated live action animated hybrid special, “The Velveteen Rabbit”; the Academy Award and BAFTA Award-winning animated short film “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse”; Oscar and BAFTA Award-winning animated film “Wolfwalkers”; the BAFTA Award and Humanitas Prize-winning “El Deafo,” BAFTA Award-winning “Lovely Little Farm,” “Duck & Goose,” “Get Rolling With Otis,” Spin Master Entertainment’s “Sago Mini Friends,” GLAAD Media Award-nominated “Pinecone & Pony,” “Frog and Toad,” The Jim Henson Company’s Emmy Award-winning “Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock,” “Harriet the Spy” and “Slumberkins,” Sesame Workshop’s “Helpsters,” Joseph Gordon-Levitt, HITRECORD and Bento Box Entertainment’s “Wolfboy and the Everything Factory,” Jack McBrayer and Angela C. Santomero’s Emmy Award-nominated “Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show,” Peanuts and WildBrain’s Emmy Award-nominated “Snoopy in Space,” “The Snoopy Show,” Scholastic’s “Eva the Owlet” and Peabody and Emmy Award-winning series “Stillwater.” Live-action offerings include Bonnie Hunt’s DGA and WGA Award-nominated “Amber Brown,” DGA Award-winning “Best Foot Forward,” “Surfside Girls,” WGA Award-winning “Life By Ella,” Sesame Workshop and Sinking Ship’s Emmy Award-winning “Ghostwriter,” Emmy Award and Environmental Media Association Award winning “Jane,” and Scholastic’s “Puppy Place.”
 
Also included are “Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth,” the Emmy Award-winning television event based on the New York Times bestselling book and TIME Best Book of the Year by Oliver Jeffers, and specials from Peanuts and WildBrain including Emmy Award-nominated “Snoopy Presents: It’s the Small Things, Charlie Brown,” “Snoopy Presents: Lucy’s School,” Humanitas and Emmy Award-nominated “Snoopy Presents: To Mom (and Dad), With Love,” “Snoopy Presents: One-of-a-Kind Marcie,” “Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin,” Emmy Award-winning “Snoopy Presents: Who Are You, Charlie Brown?” and “Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne.”
 
Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all your favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have earned 494 wins and 2163 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and historic Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”
 
Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $9.99 per month with a seven-day free trial. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.*
 
For more information, visit apple.com/tvpr and see the full list of supported devices.
 
*Special offer is good for three months after the first activation of the eligible device. One offer per Family Sharing group. Plans automatically renew until cancelled. Other restrictions and terms apply; visit apple.com/promo for more information.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 405 of ‘Trying’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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For the most part, holidays are a time of relaxation and enjoyment. Wherein we just take in the day, catch up on some sleep and likely eat some good food with good people in a setting determined by the holiday in question. Granted there is some reflection related to some holidays, and a tinge of learning when we grow old enough to understand more about them… but that is the exception to the very common rule that holidays are all about that downtime. But every once in a while, they do surprise us and force us to learn and think upon our lives, for reasons we don’t think about, as evidenced by the next episode of Trying on Apple TV+.

For ‘Mother’s Day’ saw a bevy of lessons come forth for our friends, including Jason. Who was taking his soccer team to an escape room to team build while Nikki went for a spa day on this important day. Which more or less was a disaster at first. Since the kids wanted to sass it up and keep things lively and also because Jason and Michael were separated from the kids… and were working to escape a room that wasn’t part of the game. Which led to embarrassment for them, and the lesson at hand. In that, Jason wanted to do this to oversee the teambuilding process and find a way in with these kids. But sometimes… we don’t need to interfere; we just need to give kids a chance to be themselves in a group setting and wonders will occur. Since they figured out a wild way to win the competition and spent their time working as a team… as Jason wanted.

While that was going on, Scott was learning a valuable lesson of his own. Because he felt emboldened after starting his training and opted to enact a full court press to promote his upcoming trip. Which meant, advertising for his new podcast, ‘Scott of the Atlantic’, was everywhere, even on Karen’s car, and he was also lining up amazing guests to talk about their own experiences with the open sea. Which led to the lesson in question. For while Karen was out at the spa as well, Scott had his guest over to record and in between Freddy hitting on her, Scott came to learn… that he had chosen a difficult task. Because his guest faced some horrible challenges in the water and had to be rescued, and the lesson at hand was that perhaps… Scott really needed to think this challenge through and decide if it was right for him. For he truly picked a difficult and dangerous goal to leave his mark.

But of course, the centerpiece lesson in this story, came about at the spa. Because Nikki knew something was up with Princess and well, while they were all enjoying a little downtime and a little relaxation, the truth about why everyone made the road trip to Brighton was revealed to Nikki in a surprise manner. Which brought about a showdown between Nikki and her sister, and a long talk between her Nikki and Princess. All of which was designed to teach Princess and Nikki, that communication and honesty were essential at this stage in their relationship. To ensure that the bond they built would not falter and so they could properly support one another, and this lesson will be put to the test quite quick in this tale. For Kat is still around, and Princess does have a bead on her, thanks to a visit to Bev’s grave. For Kat had flowers placed there, making it clear she’s fully aware of the standing of the family she left behind.

But before we speculate on where this twist takes us, we can celebrate another amazing chapter in this story. Because once again, this show focused on the wonder of life and how sometimes… issues we’ve created or have been brewing in our lives, will spill over into days that we think are devoid of learning and drama. Simply because the universe is chaos and life never stops, and that just made for another authentic, game changing tale for these characters. One that will bring about some potentially big changes to their everyday lives, and it will be fascinating for certain to see how that plays out as season four of this magnificent show continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘The Acolyte’. To revisit the Series Premiere, click here.
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Often times in television, the grand reveal regarding a mysterious origin story, is saved for late in the season. In part, to give the audience a grand payoff for sticking with the story and the mystery from the get-go, but also… to properly bring the season to a close. For such a reveal is often tied to events in the season finale and having that reveal so close to it, allows for everything to come together in a wondrous and organic manner that leaves the audience satisfied and neatly wraps up everything. All so the show can introduce a new mystery or a new story for people to enjoy when it returns for its next season. One that audiences will tune into since they were treated to such an engaging story.

Which is why, this week’s episode of The Acolyte on Disney+ is of note. Because ‘Destiny’ happened to be a story that defied this particular convention by outright… giving us the grand reveal of what happened to May and Osha all those years ago and how their lives took the sorrowful paths they have taken. Which as it turned out, involved the reality that they were descendants of a Coven of Witches that were Force Sensitive but did not believe the Force, or the Thread as they called it, should be used in the manner the Jedi did. It should be used as anyone saw fit. Which of course, made them Pariahs and forced them to practice in secret and lose numbers. Until Mother Aniseya, Force conjured the twins to carry on the line. But of course, there were problems with such a move.

In that the Jedi knew, and the very four Jedi that were being hunted in the premiere made their way to Mae and Osha’s world to try and understand this Coven and of course, see if there was a chance to save Force sensitive children from a path that did not follow Republic law and that… brought about great conflict. For Osha was eager to learn more about the Jedi arts while her sister was not, and the fact that Osha embraced the Jedi order so eagerly, led to amazing conflict in the temple. The kind that forced Mae to use violence and fire in an effort to keep her sister home through intimidation. But that of course… led to disaster and death and a separation of the two, and a story that outright left the audience stunned and reeling with revelation. 

After all the fact that this duo was created through the Force/Thread, a la Anakin Skywalker, is a big deal. In fact, it may imply that the events that happened here, shaped the future. Since Darth Plagueis and Darth Sidious may have studied this and used it to find success in creating Anakin. All of which has serious implications for the fleshing out of canon in this universe and perhaps may lead to a Plagueis cameo when all is said and done. But above all, what truly makes this story so shocking, is that it was indeed put forth now. For that likely means everything that happened here will have great impact upon the rest of the story and that there are more revelations and reveals to be had that lead up to the finale. Giving rise to big moments ahead and an unconventional story for certain.

But before we ponder upon all of that, we can celebrate one brilliant move on the show’s part. Because it was indeed bold to offer answers now and it was also bold to imply foundations of the future lie here, and it was also amazing… to see that other Force sensitive species a la the Nightsisters exist in this galaxy, far, far away that also have no desire to deal with the Jedi and their teachings. Since it adds a diversity to this story that is sorely needed and adds new conflicts and wonders to the mythos. But above all, this particular tale leaves us hungry for more. Because now, we must know where this story is headed and we must know what other surprises await us, now that Mae and Osha’s past has been exposed. Until next time.

It really has been quite the incredible year for Peacock. For not only has the streamer put forth some amazing shows in 2024, the kind that have taken our breath away and ignited our imaginations like never before, but Peacock has also excelled when it comes to documentaries. For they have offered up an amazing mix of stories that examine life and our world, and that includes the true crime documentaries on the network as well. since Pathological: The Lies of Joran van der Sloot offered up the definitive look at a crime that has haunted the world for ages, and well… they have more incredible true crime documentaries on the way.
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For earlier today, Peacock let it be known that on June 25, TikTok Star Murders, will debut on the network, and this true crime documentary, produced by Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson’s company, G-Unit, will examine the sorrowful tale of TikTok star Ali Abulaban. Who seemingly had a great life with his wife, Ana, and a great career online. That is, until he made headlines for awful acts, and well… that is certainly enough to engage us and draw us into a very real crime committed by a wildly popular TikTok Creator whose work we’ve all seen, and well… to properly make this announcement worth our while… Peacock also offered up so much more. Such as key art, a trailer and details regarding this upcoming documentary. All of which we will share with you now, so you can prepare your mind to explore a harrowing crime that shocked us all.

·       Premiering June 25 on Peacock, TikTok Star Murders delves into how the seemingly picture-perfect relationship between TikTok personality Ali Abulaban and his wife Ana turned deadly through private, never-before-aired cellphone footage and audio. The documentary follows the entire tragic story, tracking each step of the case including the recent trial and headline-making verdict. 
 
·       The documentary features first-time interviews with close friends and family of the social media-famed couple, commentary from reporter Kelsey Christensen, who interviewed Ali upon his arrest, and insights from a clinical/forensic psychologist.
 
·       TikTok Star Murders is an unscripted title from Executive Producer Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and G-Unit Films & Television, Inc. in participation with Lusid Media.  
 
ABOUT TIKTOK STAR MURDERS 
Ali and Ana Abulaban have it all -- great jobs, a beautiful young daughter and the promise of stardom. A TikTok creator who gained popularity under the username JinnKid in late 2019, Ali is known for his viral Skyrim and Scarface comedic impressions, often featuring his beautiful wife, Ana. To his fans, Ali is talented, funny, charismatic and has a picture-perfect relationship with the modelesque Ana. They seemingly have it all, but not everything online is as it seems. Under the surface is a relationship falling apart, full of domestic violence, and Ali is filming it -- disturbing never-before-seen footage of private fights from his cell phone. Narcissism, addiction and crippling jealousy all play a role in Ali's desire for control and fame, while Ana seeks independence and a happy life for her and her daughter. The relationship disintegrates, and in October of 2021, the abuse takes a deadly turn that leaves two people dead, and another facing a lifetime behind bars. 
 
ABOUT THE DOCUMENTARY 
Premiere: Tuesday, June 25, 2024 
Executive Producer / Showrunner: George Plamondon
Executive Producers: Zak Weisfeld, Libby Richman, Elizabeth Fisher, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson 
Produced By:  Lusid Media and G-Unit Films & Television, Inc.
Format: Documentary, 1 x 90 mins 

One particular festival that matters a great deal to the folks that adore animation is the Annecy International Film Festival. For it truly is a powerhouse celebration of everything to do with this beloved art form, so much in fact that Disney makes an appearance here annually as well. Simply because what better time to announce new animation titles than in front of a crowd that craves this wondrous format and well, it just so happens that Disney made some wonderful announcements today at the festival.
 
After all, today we discovered that more Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur is on the way via a unique new format for the franchise. Not to mention we now know when season two of Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures will debut, alongside so many more announcements and reveals. All of which, we will share with you now, complete with synopses and key art and trailers/teasers/clips where applicable, courtesy of Disney, so we can properly celebrate this medium and the wondrous animation titles ahead from a true master of medium.
 
‘Today, during the Annecy International Animated Film Festival, Disney Branded Television (DBT) announced a lineup of new animated projects and shared first looks from its industry-leading preschool and kids-focused slate. The announcements were made by Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television, alongside DBT animation leaders Meredith Roberts, executive vice president of Disney Television Animation; Alyssa Sapire, senior vice president of Development, Series and Strategy, Disney Jr.; and Orion Ross, vice president, International Animation.
 
Additionally, Disney Television Animation commemorated its illustrious 40-year anniversary at the festival with a special panel highlighting the studio’s dominance in kids’ animation over four decades — with beloved titles like “Phineas and Ferb,” “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” “Monsters at Work,” “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder,” “Sofia the First” and more — as well as current and future hits ranging from “Kiff” to “Big City Greens,” “ZOMBIES: The Re-Animated Series,” “Hamster & Gretel,” and “StuGo.”
 
Disney Jr., Disney Television Animation and International Animation teams will feature several additional panels throughout the week, including one that highlights the power of storytelling through music and features “Disney Jr.’s Ariel,” “Kindergarten: The Musical,” “ZOMBIES: The Re-Animated Series,” “Kiff” and “Big City Greens,” as well as a panel for the upcoming global series “The Doomies.”
 
“Disney Branded Television is proud of our four-decade legacy of creating magical and visually stunning animation beloved by young audiences around the world,” said Davis. “It’s a momentous year at Annecy, as we celebrate our studio’s milestone anniversary and showcase some of our most exciting new projects and creative talent that are ushering us into a new era of storytelling.”
 
Among the new Disney Jr. and Disney Television Animation titles and first looks announced at Annecy are the following:’

​“PREP & LANDING: THE SNOWBALL PROTOCOL” (22-minute special)
Produced by: Disney Television Animation
Executive Producers: Kevin Deters and Stevie Wermers-Skelton
Story Editor/Co-Producer: Colleen Evanson  
Producer: Melissa Kurtz
Director: Shane Zalvin
Writer: Hilary Helding
 
In this new installment of the Emmy®-winning holiday specials, the high-tech team of elves from the elite unit known as Prep and Landing is back! When their holiday missions go awry, Wayne thinks he is in BIG trouble with Santa, which opens a vault of merry mishaps from the past. It’s going to be hard to dig their way out of the snowbank this time in “Prep & Landing: The Snowball Protocol.” The special will debut next year.

“MARVEL’S MOON GIRL AND DEVIL DINOSAUR: MOON GIRL’S LAB” (Shorts)
Produced by: Disney Television Animation
Executive Producers: Laurence Fishburne, Helen Sugland and Steve Loter
Co-Executive Producers: Rodney Clouden and Pilar Flynn
 
“Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur: Moon Girl’s Lab” is a new musical S.T.E.M.-focused short-form series in which Moon Girl is dropping knowledge AND dropping bars as she uses the power of science to take down some serious baddies. Each of the eight shorts will feature a new song by GRAMMY Award® winner Raphael Saadiq, who serves as executive music producer on the series, and a science theme, including adaptations, states of matter, plants, force and motion, light, echolocation, and coding. The shorts will premiere Friday, June 28, on Disney Channel and Disney Channel YouTube. All eight shorts will be available on Disney+ the same day. CLIP BELOW.

“SUPERKITTIES: SU-PURR ADVENTURES” (Shorts)
Produced by: Sony Pictures Television – Kids in association with Disney Jr.
Creator: Paula Rosenthal
Executive Producers: Sarah Mullervy, Kirk Van Wormer and Audu Paden
Supervising Producer: Bryan Korn
 
“SuperKitties: Su-Purr Adventures” is a new short-form series inspired by 2023’s No. 1 new preschool series, “SuperKitties.” It features Bitsy, Ginny, Sparks and Buddy as they showcase their superhero skills and kitty kindness that they use to work together as a team to make their town of Kittydale a great place to live. The shorts will premiere Wednesday, Aug. 7, on Disney Jr. and Disney Channel and next day, Thursday, Aug. 8, on Disney+ and Disney Jr. YouTube. ​CLIP BELOW.

​“BIG CITY GREENS” (Season Five)
Produced by: Disney Television Animation
Creators/Executive Producers: Chris and Shane Houghton
Executive Producer: Anna O’Brian
Co-Executive Producer: Stephen Sandoval
Producer: Michael Coughlin
 
Greenlit for a fifth season today, “Big City Greens” was the No. 2 most-watched kids animated series of 2023, with more than 2 billion hours watched across linear and streaming since it debuted in 2018. The series follows the offbeat adventures of 10-year-old Cricket Green (voiced by Chris Houghton), a mischievous and optimistic country boy who moved to the big city with his wildly out-of-place family. The show is heavily influenced by the brothers’ childhood growing up in St. Johns, Michigan, a small rural town north of Lansing, also known as the mint capital of the world. Many of the characters are inspired by real-life family members and childhood townsfolk. This summer also marks the premiere of “Big City Greens the Movie: Spacecation,” which will be screened at Annecy as part of the prestigious Le Pâquier lawn screening series. Additionally, Anna O’Brian, director of the movie, has joined the series for season five as executive producer.

“STAR WARS: YOUNG JEDI ADVENTURES” (Season Two)
Produced by: Lucasfilm in collaboration with Wild Canary for Disney+ and Disney Jr.
Showrunner/Executive Producer: Michael Olson 
Executive Producers: James Waugh, Jacqui Lopez, and Josh Rimes 
Supervising Director/Co-Producer: Elliot M. Bour 
Consulting Producer: Lamont Magee
 
Season two of “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” will premiere Wednesday, Aug. 14, on Disney+ and Disney Jr. In the new season, Kai Brightstar, Lys Solay and Nubs are ready for more adventures! Dressed in their new mission gear, the young heroes will embark on even bigger missions across the galaxy as they continue their Jedi training.

​“DISNEY JR.’S ARIEL”
Produced by: Wild Canary in association with Disney Jr.
Executive Producer: Lynne Southerland
 
An exclusive first-look clip from the highly anticipated new series “Disney Jr.’s Ariel” was released today. Inspired by the beloved story of “The Little Mermaid,” the series debuts Thursday, June 27, on Disney Jr. in the U.S. with an initial batch of eight episodes available on Disney+ the following day, Friday, June 28. The series follows 8-year-old mermaid princess Ariel as she and her friends embark on fun-filled, action-packed underwater adventures throughout their Caribbean-inspired fairytale kingdom of Atlantica and beyond. ​FIRST LOOK CLIP BELOW.

“KINDERGARTEN: THE MUSICAL”
Produced by: Oddbot Entertainment in association with Disney Jr.
Creators: Michelle Lewis and Charlton Pettus
Executive Producers: Tom Warburton, Michelle Lewis, Kay Hanley, Charlton Pettus and Dan Petty
Co-Executive Producer/Story Editor: Laurie Israel
 
The main title theme song — performed by GRAMMY Award-winning and Tony® Award-nominated actress and singer Eva Noblezada (“The Great Gatsby”) — and key art for Disney Jr.’s upcoming new series “Kindergarten: The Musical” was also released today. The series follows 5-year-old Berti, who, along with her new friends, is navigating all the exciting and emotional experiences that come with starting school for the very first time. Taking place in a kindergarten classroom at Porter Elementary, the series features fantastical Broadway-style song and dance numbers that help kids express their big feelings and provide a peek into their incredible imaginations. The series is set to debut on Disney Jr. and Disney+ later this year. MAIN TITLE THEME SONG BELOW.

“STUGO”
Produced by: Titmouse in association with Disney Channel
Creator/Executive Producer: Ryan Gillis
Co-Executive Producer: Sunil Hall
Story Editor: Craig Lewis
 
The main title theme song for “StuGo” was also released today. The series follows six overambitious middle schoolers tricked into attending a fake academic summer camp by a mad scientist. Now they’re stuck for three months on a wild tropical island with mind-reading manatees, giant fighting fungi and fashion-forward mutants ― less academia than they’d hoped for but a lot more adventure. The series is set to premiere this fall on Disney Channel and Disney+. MAIN TITLE THEME SONG BELOW.

“THE DOOMIES”
Produced by: Xilam in association with Disney+
Co-Creator/Director: Andrés Fernandez
Co-Creator/Head Writer: Henry Gifford
Co-Creator/Art Director: Rémi Zaarour
 
An exclusive first look of Disney’s new spooky comedy animated series, “The Doomies,” was released today. The chilling series follows best friends Bobby and Romy, who mistakenly open a gateway to the underworld and turn their sleepy coastal town into a hotspot for terrifying creatures of doom. As they try to cover up their mess, they get roped into an epic monster mystery, which will see them battle both literal and inner demons.

ABOUT DISNEY+:
Disney+ is the dedicated streaming home for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, along with The Simpsons and much more. In select international markets, it also includes the general entertainment content brand, Star, and in the U.S., Disney Bundle subscribers can also access extensive Hulu content, including next day TV and Hulu Original titles, on Disney+. The flagship direct-to-consumer streaming service from Disney, Disney+ offers an ever-growing collection of exclusive originals, including feature-length films, documentaries, live-action and animated series, and short-form content. With unprecedented access to Disney’s long history of incredible film and television entertainment, Disney+ is also the exclusive streaming home for the newest releases from The Walt Disney Studios. Disney+ is available as a standalone streaming service, as part of the Disney Bundle in the U.S. that gives subscribers access to Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, or as part of Combo+ in Latin America with Star+, the standalone general entertainment and sports streaming service in the region. For more, visit disneyplus.com, or find the Disney+ app on most mobile and connected TV devices.
 
ABOUT DISNEY BRANDED TELEVISION
Disney Branded Television encompasses the creative storytellers and production and content marketing teams responsible for Disney-branded television series, movies and other programming spanning live-action, animated and unscripted formats. The group fuels the Disney+ streaming platform and Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior linear networks with content geared toward kids, tweens, teens and families, with stories that are imaginative, aspirational and reflective of their world and experiences.

Please Enjoy this Sneak Peek and Synopsis from Episode 405 of Trying, which airs on Apple TV+, tomorrow!

​Episode 405: Mother’s Day
A celebratory spa visit is surprisingly stressful. Jason’s plan to bond his team spins out of control.